Clive Davis honoured at 2026 BET Awards in emotional In Memoriam tribute
Washington, June 29
Legendary music executive Clive Davis was honoured at the 2026 BET Awards during the ceremony's In Memoriam segment, just six days after his death at the age of 94.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, the tribute featured gospel singer Erica Campbell performing a medley of 'I Love the Lord,' a song she described as one of Davis' favourites.
Introducing the performance, Campbell noted that the song was famously performed by Whitney Houston and "also written by the maestro, Richard Small."
Le'Andria Johnson joined Campbell for the emotional rendition, which also paid tribute to Richard Smallwood.
The celebrated gospel musician died in late December from complications of kidney failure.
Elsewhere during the awards ceremony, singer D'Angelo was remembered in a special tribute introduced by his children.
Performances by RAYE, Durand Bernarr, Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid and George Clinton honoured the 'Unshaken' singer, who died in October after a battle with cancer.
Davis died on June 22 at the age of 94 after recently being hospitalised with an upper respiratory infection. His passing came only six days before the 2026 BET Awards.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Davis helped launch and shape the careers of some of music's biggest names, including Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen.
He also worked with a wide range of artists such as Carlos Santana, Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, The Grateful Dead, Alicia Keys, Simon and Garfunkel, Jennifer Hudson, Barry Manilow, Pink Floyd, Earth Wind and Fire, Aerosmith, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Kenny G, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and Patti Smith.
Following his death, tributes poured in from across the music industry.
Bruce Springsteen wrote that Davis "changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records," while Carlos Santana remembered him as a "visionary," in a tribute post on Instagram.
The 2026 BET Awards aired live on Sunday, June 28, from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on BET and other Paramount networks.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I don't understand why BET Awards is being broadcast in India. We have our own music legends to honour. But I respect Clive Davis's legacy - he shaped pop music globally. Just wish our platforms would give similar space to Indian music icons. 🙏
This tribute feels incomplete without mentioning his work with Indian classical musicians. Clive Davis once said Indian ragas influenced his production style. But I guess Western media will always prioritize their own narrative. Still, a legendary figure in music history.
I'm a 90s kid and my father introduced me to Santana and Janis Joplin because of Clive Davis. It's amazing how music connects us across cultures. The gospel performance sounds beautiful - Erica Campbell has such a powerful voice. This is a fitting tribute. 🌹
While I appreciate the tribute, I wish BET Awards would also acknowledge legendary Indian music producers like Laxmikant-Pyarelal or A.R. Rahman. Clive Davis was a giant in his field, no doubt, but global music awards often ignore contributions from Asia. Just my two rupees. 🤷
Clive Davis was a true visionary who saw potential in artists from diverse backgrounds. His work with Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys shows how he championed African American talent. The fact that BET honoured him shows his impact on Black music culture. Well deserved. ✨
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